African football continues to grow as clubs across the continent evolve into financial powerhouses, boasting competitive squads, lucrative sponsorship deals, and strong fan bases.
From historic teams with generations of success to rising clubs leveraging modern investments, these are Africa’s 10 most valuable soccer teams in 2024, ranked by market value, global recognition, and financial performance.
1. Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. (South Africa):
Market Value: $34.9 million
Mamelodi Sundowns, nicknamed “The Brazilians,” is Africa’s most valuable soccer team. They are known for their attacking flair and dominance in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL). The Brazillians have won 17 league titles, including an unprecedented six consecutive championships.
Internationally, they etched their name in history by clinching the CAF Champions League in 2016, and the 2017 CAF Super Cup. They were also voted the 2016 CAF Club of the Year. This team boasts 17 Premier Soccer League titles and commands prestige in African football.
Owned by billionaire Patrice Motsepe, Sundowns are financially solid, with major sponsorships from Puma and Hyundai. Their focus on youth development and aggressive investments in star players solidify their continental supremacy.
2. Al Ahly SC (Egypt):
Market Value: $33.6 million
Founded 117 years ago, Al Ahly is widely regarded as the “Club of the Century.” The club is synonymous with success in African soccer. With a record of 11 CAF Champions League trophies and 44 Egyptian Premier League titles, their accolades speak for themselves. Also under their belt are 39 Egypt Cup titles and 4 bronze medals in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Off the field, Al Ahly commands a global fanbase and maintains lucrative partnerships with Coca-Cola, WE Telecom, Etisalat and Vodafone. These sponsorships have contributed to their immense financial strength. Their continued dominance in both domestic and international competitions underscores their position as a powerhouse.
The club has a massive fan base and significant revenue from merchandise and broadcasting rights.
3. Orlando Pirates F.C. (South Africa):
Market Value: $23.3 million
Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s most historic clubs, remains a significant force on the continent. Located in the beautiful city of Johannesburg, it’s widely recognized for its rich history, which dates back to 87 years ago.
With an illustrious record, including victories in the CAF Champions League (1995) and CAF Super Cup, the “Buccaneers” are highly marketable.
Orlando Pirates is the first club since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996 to win three major trophies in a single season back to back.
The club’s teeming fan base over the years has enabled it to secure mouthwatering shirt sponsor deals from brands like Adidas and Vodafone.
4. Pyramids F.C. (Egypt):
Market Value: $20.5 million
Founded in 2008, Pyramids FC has rapidly established itself as a serious competitor in Egyptian football.
With the backing of significant private investments, the club has brought in marquee players like Ramadan Sobhi, Ahmed El Shenawy, and Osama Galal, and made major strides, including a strong run in the CAF Confederation Cup. Their victory in the 2023–24 Egypt Cup, beating ZED 1–0 in the final reflects their meteoric rise.
Pyramids FC epitomizes the modern African club, blending ambition with financial power.
5. Zamalek SC (Egypt):
Market Value: $18.1 million
Zamalek SC, with a legacy spanning over a century, remains a dominant force in African football. Founded in 1911, they are the first team to win the Egypt Cup in 1922, and the first team to win the Cairo League in 1922–23.
Zamalek SC has played in every season of the Egyptian Premier League and won five CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Confederation Cup titles, five CAF Super Cup titles and one African Cup Winners’ Cup title.
Their sponsorship deal with WE Telecom and strategic investments in youth academies ensure continued success on and off the pitch. Zamalek’s ability to stay competitive despite stiff competition reinforces their standing among Africa’s top clubs.
6. Esperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia):
Market Value: $17.8 million
Esperance is a giant of North African football. With 4 CAF Champions League trophies and 32 Tunisian league titles, the club’s achievements reflect its dominance in the Maghreb region. They won the Tunisian Cup 15 times and the Tunisian Super Cup 6 times.
Partnerships with Tunisian businesses like Delice and consistent player exports to European leagues boost their market value.
7. Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa):
Market Value: $16.5 million
The Kaizer Chiefs, often referred to as “Amakhosi,” are one of South Africa’s most celebrated teams. Their history of 13 PSL titles and participation in continental tournaments ensures they retain relevance on the African stage.
The club has emerged victorious in the MTN Cup, Nedbank Cup, and South African Cup. These successes, prize monies, merchandise and ticket sales contribute to the club’s financial worth, despite recent struggles.
The Chiefs boast of talents like Uruguayan star, Gaston Sirino, who plays as a winger.
8. Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco):
Market Value: $14.8 million
Wydad AC, a name synonymous with Moroccan football excellence, has consistently dominated the domestic league. With 3 CAF Champions League victories, including their latest in 2022, they have proven their mettle on the continental stage.
Investments in cutting-edge facilities and player development programs have propelled them to international prominence.
This Moroccan powerhouse has also won one African Cup Winners’ Cup, one CAF Super Cup, and one Afro-Asian Club Championship.
Wydad has invested heavily in elite players, like the 2023 African Goalkeeper of the Year, El Motie and others.
9. TP Mazembe (Democratic Republic of Congo):
Market Value: $11 million
TP Mazembe is an iconic name in African football, having won 5 CAF Champions League titles and numerous domestic trophies.
Based in Lubumbashi, the club owes much of its financial strength to owner Moïse Katumbi, who has built one of Africa’s most advanced football academies.
The club’s current squad include 23-year-old Mauritian defender Ibrahima Keita and Malian goalkeeper Ibrahim Bosso Mounkoro.
TP Mazembe’s emphasis on youth development and its competitive edge make it a model club for others.
10. MC Alger (Algeria):
Market Value: $10 million
MC Alger is a cornerstone of Algerian football with a loyal following and a rich history dating back to 1921.
Known for their attacking style and dominance in the Algerian league, the club has recently made significant investments in infrastructure and player acquisitions.
With talented players like Mohammed Zougrana, Zakaria Naidji, and Andy Delort, this Algerian giant has won seven Algerian league titles and seven Algerian cups, solidifying its position among Africa’s soccer elite.
Their consistent performance in the CAF Confederation Cup ensures they remain a contender in Africa.
These teams have shown remarkable financial growth over the years. As African soccer continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how they adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of global soccer.
